Module LZC-2040:Chinese Language Skills

Module Facts

Overall aims and purpose

To consolidate the essential structures of Chinese and develop both vocabulary and range of language structures.

To further develop active and passive language skills, including comprehension skills in listening, productive skills in speaking, reading and writing.

To deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of the customs, culture and society of China and develop students’ awareness of the general social and cultural background of Chinese, and to familiarise students with lexis relevant to their forthcoming residence abroad.

Course content

Building on the foundation of the first year modules of Chinese for Beginners, this module includes classes on written language skills, listening comprehension and translation in/from English and oral communication skills. It will further develop proficiency and fluency in Chinese. Written language skills will focus on different types of writing, including exposition, argument and letter. Listening comprehension classes will draw from contemporary authentic materials. Oral skills will develop fluency that will prepare students for their semester or year abroad in China.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

40-49%: A limited knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and a limited ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Basic oral and aural competence.

good

50-69%: A good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and a good ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Good oral and aural competence.

excellent

70+%: An excellent knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and an excellent ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Excellent oral and aural competence.

Learning outcomes

have extended the knowledge of Chinese as learned in Year 1 and substantially increased the vocabulary both in spoken and written forms;

be familiar with features of Chinese sentences and use them correctly in a range of different contexts, and develop relevant oral, aural and written skills;

be able to produce coherent paragraphs using a good range of vocabulary and grammatical construction, and translate more complex sentences and short texts from English into Chinese and vice versa;

be able to read Chinese texts of a reasonable length;

be able to conduct dialogues on a wider range of sophisticated topics.

To familiarise students with lexis relevant to their forthcoming residence abroad, and other sociocultural contexts.

Students on this module will be working towards achieving B2/C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Transferable skills

Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media

Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software

Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance

Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives

Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information

Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others

Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.

Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.

Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Subject specific skills

Learning to learn - students will learn to reflect upon, modify and improve their learning strategies

Information technology - students will develop the ability to use computing and IT skills in order to find, store, interpret and present information, to produce a range of electronic documents and to use software confidently

Effective communication - students will develop the ability to communicate effectively, appropriately and confidently, in a range of contexts, to different audience types, and making use of a range of supporting materials

Working effectively with others - students will develop the ability to work well with others as part of a group or a team

Awareness of and appreciation for linguistic and cultural differences - students will develop an awareness of and an appreciation for the range and nature of linguistic and cultural diversity.

Understanding of the nature of bi/multilingualism - students will demonstrate familiarity with phenomena and findings relating to the nature of bilingual and multilingual individuals and communities.

The ability to use the target language creatively and precisely in short written assignments in the target language. (Benchmark statement 5.14)

The ability to translate short passages into and out of the target language. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)

The ability to use the target language creatively and precisely in oral assignments, showing familiarity with a range of topics and registers in formal and informal situations. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)

Develop aural comprehension skills in the target language, supported by a wide range of appropriate materials in different media. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)

The ability to read, understand and summarise written texts in the target language. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)

The ability to use the target language creatively and precisely in more substantial written assignments in the target language. (Benchmark statement 5.14)

The ability to translate more substantial passages into and out of the target language. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)

The ability to use the target language creatively and precisely in oral assignments, showing ease with a wider range of topics and registers in formal and informal situations. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)

Further develop aural comprehension skills in the target language, supported by a wide range of appropriate materials in different media. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)

The ability to read, understand and summarise more complex written texts in the target language. (Benchmark statement 5.3, 5.4)

Resources

Resource implications for students

Students will need to purchase the core textbook (with the CD). The core textbook is likely to cost about £15-£20.
Copies of the above books will be ordered for the university library.